A SHERIFF has told a young criminal he isn’t optimistic that he won’t see him back in a court dock.

Josh Neil, previously of Ocean Field, Clydebank, and First Avenue, Dumbarton, was brought to Dumbarton Sheriff Court last week for breaching three community payback order punishments for crimes back in 2015 – including shouting, swearing and threatening police with violence in the town’s Cardross Road on November 15 that year. The 18-year-old was first in court for shouting, swearing and challenging staff to fight in Pinto restaurant in Glasgow on July 18, 2015. He later broke his bail curfew for that offence. He also assaulted a police officer and repeatedly tried to head butt him and uttered threats to officers. On July 31, 2015, in Bearsden, he shouted, swore and brandished a bat and placed people in a state of fear and alarm. He also stole a bottle of vodka. He is currently serving a period in detention for a Glasgow case.

Last week, Neil’s defence solicitor said he was “by no means stupid” and didn’t help himself by drinking. The lawyer insisted he had curtailed his drinking but had difficulties in social situations. The solicitor added: “There have been some difficulties in prison - he is very literal minded and takes everything at its word and remembers it.” “He does have support and a number of positive factors in his life.”

Sheriff William Gallacher revoked the three previous CPOs and sentenced Neil to two months behind bars for each case – all three existing community payback orders and sentenced Neil to two months of detention in each, but all concurrent with each other and with his current sentence. He is due out in February at the earliest. The sheriff said: “I remember you and there is a lot of effort by people to help you to do something with your life and not end up in Polmont. “I’m not going to extend your sentence - your release date will remain the same. I hope not to see you again but I’m not optimistic.